Walkathon takes off in the Golan Heights and will continue in Jerusalem, in the footsteps of the Six Day War and the Reunification of Jerusalem

On the first day of spring (20.3) in Israel, the annual KKL France Walk for Water took place, with 100 people participating this year. This is the 20th annual walk, where Israel supporters from all over France come to Israel for a week of trips around the country. This year the walk takes place in two area – the Golan Heights and Jerusalem.

Moshe Cohen, who served as KKL-JNF’s emissary to France in the 1990’s, initiated the first Walk for Water. This year, he joined as a full member of the delegation, proud to see how the project has played an integral part of the movement for two decades.

"The idea was to combine knowledge and experience of the beautiful land of Israel, and the support of KKL-JNF activities. These causes are still relevant today", said Cohen.

“People come to get to know the beautiful country of Israel, to connect to the land and to identify with the State of Israel and KKL-JNF. When they return home they become dedicated ambassadors for Israel and KKL-JNF".

"In addition to celebrating 20 years of the walk, we are also marking 50 years of the Six Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem", said Fino Edri, KKL-JNF Emissary to France. "Over the week we will embark on a journey following in the footsteps of the fighters and learning about their legacy and heroism”.

At the start their journey at Jilabun River and the Devorah Waterfall, the guests were greeted by dozens of storks, who are taking a rest-stop in Israel on their migratory path from Africa to Europe. The hikers said goodbye to the large and impressive birds and took off.

Annie Lachkar from Auberville (suburb of Paris) has participated in the Walk for Water fifteen times, and has not missed one since 2003. "I return again and again thanks to Israel, the nature and the people I meet here. I love meeting new people, love to hike, and love the State of Israel, which to me, is the perfect combination.”